“I’m Not Superwoman: A Holiday Cry for Help Women Shouldn’t Have to Hide” - By Dawn Love
- Nov 24
- 2 min read
Women move through the holiday season like undercover superheroes—smiling, cooking, decorating, organizing, fixing, mediating, and magically making everything feel warm and festive. But underneath that glowing “holiday spirit” is a truth many won’t say out loud: the emotional and mental load of the holidays falls hardest on women, and it’s exhausting in a way that doesn’t show up on a to-do list.
The world paints December as a cozy Hallmark movie, but in real life, someone is scripting that movie, directing it, catering it, gift-wrapping it, and emotionally supporting the entire cast. And nine times out of ten, that person is a woman. She’s the planner. The counselor. The chef. The decorator. The emergency problem-solver. She remembers everyone’s favorite dish, everyone’s triggers, and everyone’s drama—and she tries to keep the peace while carrying her own stress quietly in the background.
The pressure comes from everywhere. Traditions that say women are supposed to “host.” Social media that says everything must look perfect. Family members who rely on her without realizing they’re relying on her. And when she tries to set boundaries, she’s hit with the guilt trip: “But it’s the holidays…” As if being tired isn’t allowed in December.
Overcoming this pressure doesn’t start with doing more. It starts with doing less—and doing it unapologetically.
The first step is boundaries that don’t shake when someone sighs or rolls their eyes. Saying “I can help with this, but not with everything” isn’t selfish; it’s survival. The second step is letting go of perfection. A house filled with love matters more than a house filled with flawless décor. Your family won’t remember whether your Christmas dinner looked like Pinterest—they’ll remember the laughter, the warmth, and the time together.
The third step is asking for help loudly and proudly. Not hints. Not hoping someone notices. Say it plainly: “I need you to handle this.” Delegation isn’t weakness—it’s wisdom. And the final step is protecting your peace like it’s a gift you bought for yourself. Take breaks. Rest. Laugh. Step outside. Breathe. Let the world wait for a moment.
The holiday season doesn’t require a perfect woman—it requires a present woman. And when you give yourself permission to be human instead of superhuman, you reclaim the joy these holidays were supposed to bring you all along.
~ Just Dawn Love ~
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